Comments on: Smoking Police Handcuff Obama

By: JSpencer

JSpencer — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 04:30:19 +0000

Good point Nordic. The drawing of a parallel between smokers and gay persons requires a major suspension of disbelief. Heck, even when I did smoke I'd never do it indoors. It's one thing to choose to put smoke in my own lungs, quite another to put smoke in the lungs of others, on the drapes, clothing, etc. I enjoyed the pleasures of tobacco as much as anyone, but it never caused me to forget how to be considerate of others around me.

By: NordicAngst

NordicAngst — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:57:12 +0000

It is of no consequence if the president smokes in private, though there is some concern over more public displays displays that could repopularize the habit with young people and adversely affect national health. This doesn't seem to be the case so far however.

now

"The anti-smoking warriors have forced smokers outdoors in the snow, wind, rain or steamy heat. It parallels the social ostracism of gays and lesbians until they broke out of their closets in the past two generations."

Now is this a piece of satire or does someone really have to point out the many ways in which it is logically and offensively incorrect?

By: Peter_Allen

Peter_Allen — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:43:07 +0000

I've smoked for close to 12 years. On the high end, I would smoke 3/4 of a pack a day. Typically, however, I smoked 3-5 cigarettes a day. These days, I smoke maybe a cigarette or less a week. About once a month or so, I'll smoke from a (tobacco) pipe for idle amusement. (My friends that smoke more often label me as a non-smoker or “pseudo-smoker”.)

My body enjoys the sensation of the nicotine, but my throat prefers that I stay away from the things. As with anything else of that nature, it's a matter of self control and moderation: I've made the adult decision to enjoy them, and the equally adult decisions not to over-indulge and accept the consequences thereof. Some people prefer different paths – either to quit completely or smoke more.

As Jerry wrote, if the President of the country is able to make the country's citizens safer, more prosperous, and more healthy… who cares if he himself smokes a few cigarettes now and then? I'd rather have someone with a few minor health issues and wise decision-making at the helm than someone in perfect health but with poor decision-making skills. C'mon now.

By: JSpencer

JSpencer — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:42:08 +0000

Well, I agree that this is a tempest in a teapot. I used to enjoy a few cigarettes a day and also worked out regularly to boot. For those who enjoy the effects of tobacco though, it's difficult to keep it at just a few, which is why I quit several years ago. If, however, Barack is able to get a little enjoyment from his 3 to 5 amid his hectic schedule, then I say more power to him.

By: archangel

archangel — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:37:07 +0000

good humor Jerry and glad YOU are still standing too! This T.I.T. tempest in teapot is absurd. Cigars have been a staple at White House after dinner for a kajillion years, for whomever smokes them. The curious aspect of this story is 3-5 ciggies a day. I wonder how he stops at 3-5 if his body craves nicotine….and as most do, builds resistance to it